10 of the best surf destinations in the world

“Only a surfer knows the feeling”. How many times haven’t we as kids stared at the legendary Billabong posters with this iconic slogan? Regardless of practicing the sport or not, there’s something undeniably beautiful about surfing. The movements that are both delicate and radical, the balancing maneuvers, the eternal struggle between Man and Nature.

However, one can’t do surfing without waves! Sure, there are plenty of beaches scattered across the world, but not all of them are suitable for this sport. Luckily, the surfing community is pretty tight, and most members are happy to travel thousands of kilometers to find the best waves and share their tips and experiences with other aficionados. With that in mind, we decided to put together a small and exclusive list of 10 of the best surfing destinations in the world, highlighting some of the most amazing surf towns and top places with the best waves.

Where to go to surf – top surf towns in the world

Gold Coast, Australia

Probably one of the destinations most deeply connected to surfing, the Gold Coast is a perfect way to kick off our list! Yes, it’s expensive, crowded and packed full of stereotypes, but one can’t deny how much surfing is part of the culture here, as the Gold Coast has long stood out as a Mecca for surfers across different generations. In fact, it’s no coincidence that several world champions were either from here or trained along these shores!

Stretching for an impressive 60 km of coastline, the Gold Coast offers surf spots for every taste and skill level, with highlights including Surfers Paradise, Tugun, Burleigh Heads and Currumbin, as well the raw and untamed Kirra Beach, located further south where the landscape is far less developed. Another big draw is the lineup of cafés, bars and restaurants along the beaches and their promenades, perfect for refueling and relaxing after a few hours chasing waves.

Bali, Indonesia

Since we’re starting with all the classics, Bali is probably one of the only surf destinations in the world that can rival the Gold Coast in popularity. Nicknamed the “Island of the Gods”, this Indonesian hotspot boasts pristine natural treasures, a unique and welcoming culture and a coastline packed with all the little things required for a great surf trip. Unfortunately, its popularity comes with a few downsides too, since popular surf areas – like Canggu, Uluwatu and Padang Padang – are often criticized for their high prices, busy crowds and pollution.

Be that as it may, and when it comes to infrastructure, seldom will you find destinations as well-prepared to host so many surfers! On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more low-key surf experience in Bali, you can always head to Medewi, Keramas or Nyang Nyang, where you’ll enjoy fewer crowds, cheaper prices and a peaceful, local vibe.

Hawaii, USA

Capping off our trifecta of the world’s most famous surfing destinations, it’s impossible not to mention the legendary American archipelago of Hawaii. Made up of eight main islands (and a total of 137 islands, islets and atolls), there’s no shortage of incredible surf spots in Hawaii. Still, if we had to single one out, it would have to be the North Shore region in Oahu – the island that’s also home to the capital of Honolulu.

Along the North Shore, you’ll find iconic spots such as Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach or the Banzai Pipeline, along with several other beaches that are quite popular among surfers. Interestingly, the most famous sites are all clustered together in a short stretch of coastline known as the Seven Mile Miracle. On a final note, keep in mind that surfing here is highly seasonal, with the best waves found during the winter months (from November to February).

Nazaré, Portugal

Unsurprisingly, Portugal has a well-deserved spot on this list! While most people instantly think of the Nazaré Canyon – where record after record has been set for the tallest surfable wave – the truth is that this specific spot should be left strictly to the pros, given the obvious (and enormous) risk that something could go terribly wrong. Still, there’s no way it could be left out!

That said, Portugal is full of excellent surfing destinations for amateurs of all levels, from Peniche to Ericeira, but also Costa Vicentina, Figueira da Foz and the Algarve. Even in the north of the country, and although the conditions aren’t quite the same, there are still plenty of places where you can rent a board and give surfing a go. Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that Ericeira has been named by the Save the Waves Coalition as one of the only two World Surfing Reserves in Europe, alongside North Devon in the United Kingdom.

Basque Country, Spain

As you’ve probably gathered by now, Europe isn’t exactly the best place for surfing, with most of the sport’s top destinations lying in more far-flung, exotic continents. Still, and aside from Portugal, another prime spot for catching waves in Europe can be found along the northern coast of its Iberian neighbor. Particularly in the autonomous community of the Basque Country, the waves are traditionally much stronger than in the rest of the country, drawing plenty of surfers as a result.

Beyond San Sebastián, one of the region’s main cities, you’ll also find great surf in Zarautz, Mundaka and Sopelana. As for the rest of in Spain, other relatively popular surf destinations are also located in the north, particularly along the beaches of Galicia, Asturias and Cantabria. For a completely different vibe (and weather), the Canary Islands also offer several excellent surfing spots.

Sri Lanka

One of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the world, Sri Lanka offers a surprisingly complete package for such a small country. Think world-class archaeological ruins, beautiful colonial towns, sprawling tea plantations and national parks where you can go on a safari to spot elephants and leopards in the wild… and now, wild and relatively untouched beaches with amazing waves!

When it comes to surfing, the best spots can usually be found along the island’s southern coast – like Weligama, Midigama, and Mirissa – where you can catch waves year-round. However, the top surf destination in Sri Lanka is actually on the east coast, more specifically in Arugam Bay. Despite the outstanding natural conditions, good infrastructure and easy access, it’s worth noting that the peak surf season here runs from April to October.

Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa

Considering that South Africa’s coast is home to the former Cape of Storms (which became the Cape of Good Hope once safely rounded), it’s no surprise that the country’s conditions make it one of the premier surf destinations in the world! While there are many spots worth mentioning, one of the most popular is Jeffrey’s Bay (or J-Bay), which also happens to be a hotspot for kitesurfing (yes, it’s windy here).

A place where surfers can go all-year-round, the bay is split into 10 distinct sections, each offering waves and conditions suited to different levels of skill and comfort. That said, be prepared for freezing waters and a higher-than-average chance of encountering sharks. Alternatively, the coast of South Africa also hides other cool surfing spots, such as Cape Saint Francis, Muizenberg (near Cape Town) and the Golden Mile (near Durban).

Siargao, the Philippines

One of the fastest-rising stars in the international surf scene, Siargao is known as the surfing capital of the Philippines. That has to mean something, considering the country is made up of more than 7000 islands! To get there, you’ll need to either fly from the capital Manila, or alternatively catch a ferry from one of the neighboring islands. Sure, the logistics can be a bit of a hassle, but you’ll forget all about it the moment you step onto one of Siargao’s many pristine beaches!

If you’re just getting started, it’s best to stick to Guiuan or Jacking Horse, while more experienced surfers can test their skills at Daku Reef, Stimpy’s and Tuason’s Point. Be that as it may, no surfing spot in Siargao (or the Philippines, for that matter) is as iconic as Cloud 9, which hosts several international competitions every year. To top it off, it’s worth mentioning Siargao is also one of the most affordable surf destinations in the world.

Central America

Made up of seven different countries, Central America is a region so great for surfing we couldn’t single out just one destination within the area. That being said, we chose to do a best of! In Costa Rica, famous for its incredible biodiversity, the top surf destination is Santa Teresa, while in Nicaragua that honor goes to Popoyo and San Juan del Sur, the perfect base to explore the area’s extraordinary beaches (and waves).

In Panama, Bocas del Toro is the most popular spot for surfing, although conditions may not be as good as those of the neighboring nations. Moving on to Guatemala, you’ll want to stick to the Pacific coast, especially around El Paredón and Iztapa. Finally, it’s impossible not to mention the small country of El Salvador, arguably the best surf destination in the region. In fact, the country is so eager to promote surfing as a tourism draw that it created Surf City, a stretch of coastline that spans more than 300 km and is filled with beaches and resorts. In this region, El Tunco is by far the most popular hub.

Cloudbreak, Fiji

Finally, we wrap up this list in the far-flung and remote Pacific Region, part of Oceania. A region almost entirely covered by vast ocean waters, with the occasional tiny island found here and there, this is where you’ll find Cloudbreak. This isn’t a beach or coastal area but rather a reef break, a slang term used to describe an underwater solid structure (usually a coral reef) that produces giant waves when the swell hits.

As such, the only way to reach Cloudbreak is by joining one of the many boat tours departing from the islands of Namotu and Tavarua, which are all part of Fiji (both the reef break and the islands). Just keep in mind that this is a spot only for the most experienced surfers, as the swell here is notoriously challenging. If you’re just starting out or are at an intermediate level, you’re better off sticking closer to home and choosing one of the other destinations we’ve highlighted.